.fr

[unam]

would there be any value in buying a .fr domain name

 

[thefabfive]

A quick check on Google reveals there are ~200M French language web pages using .fr, 120M .com, and 25M .net. Looks like the French prefer using .fr but not by much.

 

[Smith]

Only companies are able to register at the moment, come June 20th the general French (only) public will be able to register names.

It is a dangerous market though. Be careful what you register.

 

[Kate]

would there be any value in buying a .fr domain name

Definitely if you target the French market.
But .fr is heavily regulated. As said above the rules will be relaxed next month (local address would be enough). Because it's so regulated there are only about 400000 or so .fr names active today. The French often use .com instead of .fr (cheaper and less hassle).

 

[Smith]

The registry is dropping the cost down to 6.50 euros a name come June 1st, and regulations will greatly relax on the 20th. Should be interesting to see what happens.

 

[kenzo]

I have the possibility to register .fr as I live over there,

but all the good names seems to be already takken i think

If I have to make a french website, i will definately prefer .com, .net or .org. instead of .fr

 

[dgridley]

I don't see .fr as ever having much popularity amongst domainers anyway.. restrictions don't help.